Frequently Asked Questions

Acrylic resurfacing has been in use since the early 1970s. Polymer was added in the 1980s to provide superior bonding properties, as well as increase strength, durability and longevity.

What about heaved, sunken and severely damaged concrete?

Heaved (raised) concrete, is generally ground down, or the adjacent section is built up to meet it using a variety of materials. Severely damaged sections can be torn out and replaced if necessary. This helps to minimize the cost and time of replacing the entire area.

Will my concrete still heave in winter?

We cannot eliminate the heaving of concrete. However, with the acrylic spray coating, the surface will be denser and a lot less porous. Large cracks that previously allowed a lot of water penetration can be reduced. Consequently, less water is retained and the effects of heaving caused by freeze cycles should be noticeably reduced over a period of time.

Are your coatings affected by cold weather?

No. Our most popular coating is an acrylic, which remains flexible, yet extremely durable. Freeze/thaw cycles cause concrete to expand and contract. Because it is essentially part of the concrete surface, it moves with the concrete, as opposed to against it such as other products such as tile, slate, pavers, asphalt or concrete patches.

How does acrylic spray coating bond to concrete?

First, the surface is etched with muriatic acid and pressure washed to clean off dirt. A very thin “skim” coat of the acrylic cement mix is applied by trowel, providing maximum absorption into the pores of the concrete. Patterns are laid out using reinforced tape when the skim coat is dry. The “highlight” colors are applied using a drywall hopper in a random spray pattern. When this coat is dry, the tape is pulled, revealing the pattern(s). The final part of the process is to apply an even, thin, coat of solvent based sealer using a paint roller. This sealer coat penetrates and softens the skim and spray coats while bonding all layers to the concrete. When dry, these two layers become a permanent part of the existing concrete, providing outstanding weather and stain resistant properties.

What are the color choices?

We currently have 13 standard colors and 15 highlight colors from which to choose for the acrylic spray coating. Our unique highlighting system provides virtually unlimited color combinations. Custom colors and personalized logos are available at an additional cost.

How thick is it applied?

Total thickness is approximately 1/8 – 3/32″. We are more concerned about getting the acrylic to penetrate the concrete than building up the surface. Actually, the thinner it is, the better the flexural properties it has, this is very important to allow for expansion and contraction of concrete during freeze/thaw cycles. Skim coats can be applied up to 2″ thick for holes and spalling (chipping, flaking). Larger and thicker areas are filled or rebuilt using high-density acrylic mortars.

How long does acrylic spray coating last?

If properly maintained, this system will last virtually a lifetime. It is easily repaired at any time during its useful life.We highly recommend you reapply the sealer at least every three years.

How does it stand up against oils, stains, salts, and discoloration?

Because of the protective properties of the sealer coat, it is a non-porous finish. The majority of stains due to oil and grease wash off with mild detergent. Salt, de-icers, fertilizers and such have no effect on it whatsoever. In addition, because of its unique ultraviolet additive, it will not discolor due to exposure to sunlight, even in the harshest of conditions.

Can acrylic spray be applied around pools?

Most definitely! Acrylic spray is the ideal solution for pool and spa areas. It is non-skid, cooler than concrete, and will not stain or be adversely affected by pool chemicals. It also provides a perfect transition from pool to yard and adds a finishing touch no other product can.

Why should I repair my concrete instead of replacing it?

Concrete replacement generally requires heavy equipment that can cause damage to the surrounding area including landscaping and sidewalks. Some areas simply are not accessible and must be removed with smaller equipment or sledgehammers, etc. A large portion of that concrete winds up in landfills. Once it is replaced, you simply have a brand new surface that is subject to stains, oil absorption, spalling, cracking and salt damage. Our systems require no heavy equipment and cause no landscape or environmental damage. Installation usually takes only a few days, depending on size and conditions. When it is complete, the beautiful surface will resist stains, oil spills and salt damage. In addition, it can be custom designed to match your home, adding beauty and value to your home and neighborhood. New concrete is just that – concrete.

Will it wear or chip off?

Our system should not show any abnormal wear provided the acrylic sealer is replenished as wear occurs. We estimate this to occur no sooner than every three to four years under normal traffic conditions. As long as the sealer is in place, this protective coating should absorb any wear. Any scuff marks, etc. generally disappear with a fresh application of sealer.

What’s the best way to maintain acrylic spray coatings?

The rule of thumb is this; if it will scratch, chip or damage concrete, chances are it will damage our surface also. Exercise caution when setting heavy things on it. Take care not to drag heavy items that could scratch it. Periodic washing is all you should have to do to maintain the surface. Clean oil spills and the like as quickly as possible to keep it looking new. We recommend resealing every three years to achieve maximum durability and appearance. This resealing process is very inexpensive and can be done by the homeowner in just a few hours.

Can cracks be repaired?

Cracks are repaired using high strength epoxies prior to applying the skim coat. New tension control joints are then placed, or existing ones cut deeper to alleviate the tension and allow for the movement that created the crack initially. The process of repairing cracks we use has proven to repair over 95 percent of cracks. Economically, it makes more sense to use this process than to replace the cracked concrete. Keep in mind the crack repair process and any sub sequential damage to the surrounding coating is not covered under the warranty. There are too many other factors that can cause concrete to crack after the repair.

What about expansion joints, are they covered up?

Expansion joints and cold or control joints are necessary to prevent cracking of the concrete. Concrete must be allowed to expand and contract with temperature changes. These joints provide a “controlled crack” for this movement. All expansion joints are left in place, we cannot cover them up. We also recut all existing joints a little deeper to ensure that when it does move, it moves where we want it to and not at some undisclosed weak spot.

Absolutely! All of our products carry a one year limited warranty against excessive fading, delamination and product failure. We highly recommend you reapply the sealer at least every five years. This warranty does not cover the crack repair process and any sub sequential damage to the surrounding decorative coating, spalling, deterioration of the concrete substrate, any repair process to the concrete substrate, or surface water runoff.